Over 1,500 combatants surrender after DR Congo's M23 rebels defeated

byonNovember 29, 2013

KINSHASA, Nov. 28 — The victory of the Democratic Republic of Congo's Armed Forces (FARDC) over M23 rebels has prompted over 1,500 combatants of various armed groups in North Kivu province to surrender, according to the Congolese and UN authorities.

"About 1,500 fighters from Masisi and Rutshuru territories have responded to the call by the president to surrender," a FARDC officer who requested for anonymity said in the provincial capital Goma on Wednesday.

According to the UN Mission for Stabilization of Congo (MONUSCO) , from Nov. 19 to date, over 300 combatants from different armed groups had surrendered to the UN troops and to different offices for Demobilization, Disarmament, Reintegration and Repatriation (DDRR) set up across the eastern province.

The MONUSCO military spokesman, Col. Basse said combatants who have surrendered include those from the Congolese Popular Front Mai Mai groups (FPC), Mai Mai Nyantura, Mai Mai Sheka-Nduma, Mai Mai Shetani, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), the People's Self Defense Movement (MPA) and M23.

Since the defeat of M23 rebels early this month, the Congolese army and MONUSCO have urged various armed groups in eastern DR Congo to surrender. (PNA/Xinhua)